TiVo is beta testing a service that will allow a mobile phone with Internet access to schedule a recording. The service was described by MultiChannel News as a way for TiVo to differentiate itself from cable and satellite DVRs. However, DIRECTV has been offering its own version of the service, called DVR Scheduler, for some time.

The new mobile site is m.tivo.com and expects to be widely available within a few weeks. The site allows the user to search for TV shows by actor, title, director or keyword. It also includes a list of the most popular programs.

For some time, DIRECTV has been offering a service that is more complete. "DVR Scheduler" is also available to DIRECTV customers who create a user account. They can then log on, with, say, their iPhone, and see the complete TV schedule for the day. Items from the displayed schedule can be selected to be recorded. If the customer has multiple DVRs, like the HR20 or HR22 in different rooms, the desired unit can be selected from a popup.

DIRECTV DVR Scheduler

It's a good idea for TiVo to allow remote scheduling via mobile phone, but iPhone customers, accustomed to a full Internet experience in Safari or customers with a large mobile phone display in horizontal mode will feel right at home with DIRECTV's solution -- instead of being limited to conducting a mere search or being shown favorites.

The question for TiVo is: the most popular programs defined by who? And who makes the recommendations?